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Why is my young beagle lethargic, not eating, and gaining weight?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Female | spayed | 2 years and 11 months old | 35 lbs

We thought poor Lila had an obstruction,.I wish that had been the case. She gained 8 pounds in 5 days, our vet removed fluid from around her heart and abdomen and put her on Lasix. She is very lethargic, still won't eat, but drinks and pees. Vet thinks either CHF or cancer, we are waiting for labs. Are beagles prone to this? She is only 2 years old! Could she have been poisoned? They are fenced but someone could have thrown something in. How long can she last without eating? So sad.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 26th, 2017

So sorry that Lila is not well.

No, this is not something I would say is commonly found in beagles. She likely was born with a defect of heart or she has cancer which can happen at any time. I highly doubt this is related to ingestion of a poison. When animals are poisoned they usually have liver failure or kidney failure, not heart failure.

Dogs can go quite a few days without eating. If she is not eating the best thing to do is to ask your vet about placing a feeding tube. That way you can feed her and give her nutrition without her actually having to eat it. You could also talk to your vet about giving Lila an appetite stimulant medication which may help.

Again, sorry you guys are going through this. If you have more questions please feel free to post again. Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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